October Sky
Based on the novel by
Homer Hickam
Screenplay by
Lewis Colick
Directed by
Joe Johnston
Alex Krinsky
3/25/08
October Sky is the true story of Homer Hickam, a young man growing up in a 1950s coal
mining town who dreams of launching rockets into space, rather than spending his life
sifting through sediment in the depths of the earth. (Hickam, 1999) Although October
Sky focuses on the hardships of middle class America and the challenges of adolescence,
the true themes of October Sky are learning to accept others for who they are and the
importance of family.
The main character’s father, John Hickam, is the foreman of the town mine and is a
classic West Virginia man. He believes in hard work and dedication. His country roots
have made him an extremely provincial thinker, believing his son Homer only suitable
for a life of coal mining. Homer is a shy, un-athletic young man who never wants to step
foot in a coal mine. Although he is ambitious, he isn’t remarkable in any way, whether it
is academics, athletics, or the arts. John is a completely different person than Homer and
this rift in personality traits creates tension and domestic problems throughout the movie.
(Hickam, 1999) However, in the final scene of the movie, John ventures up to Cape
Coalwood to watch his son launch one of his cursed rockets. John watches in amazement
as his son’s masterpiece shoots into the heavens. He suddenly admires his son and his
accomplishments, realizing that it was the qualities they share, their stubbornness and
perseverance, which unite them in their success. (Hickam, 1999) October Sky teaches us
to try and understand people and accept their differences. Although people may disagree
on certain issues and hold different ideals, they must attempt to understand each other
and respect their dissimilarities.
The town of Coalwood is going under and John Hickam is in the forefront of the war. As
foreman of the local mine and a workaholic, John stands his ground and his pride
prevents him from surrendering to the union members on strike. At the same time, Homer
is at the National Science Fair in Indianapolis when his materials for his presentation are
stolen. His only hope to win the competition is to have a new rocket made. John and
Homer have been at war for months, neither one giving in and both standing up for what
they believe in. Homer needs John to open the mine so his rocket can be made. (Hickam,
1999) In a scene that defines John as a person and a father, he has an intense argument
with his wife Elsie about whether to assist his son in need. John then marches into the
mine, past the union workers, and calmly states to the ironworker, “Don’t you have some
work to do?” (Hickam, 1999) With these words, John completely undermines his beliefs
for the sake of his son. Even though he doesn’t respect what Homer is trying to do, his
love for his son forces John to save him. John’s valiant act teaches us that family truly is
the most important bond in society. No matter what hardships or obstacles emerge, the
love between family members surpasses all other obligations. One must always do what
is best for his family. (Hickam, 1999)
October Sky is the story of a young man who dreams of launching rockets into outer
space and becoming an astronaut. (Hickam, 1999) As Homer builds his rockets, his
family endures the traumas of middle class West Virginia and he tries to cope with
adolescence. October Sky enlightens its viewers on becoming more accepting of other
people and embracing their differences. It stresses the importance of family and how one
must sacrifice for his loved ones. October Sky is the touching, true story of Homer
Hickam as he perseveres through countless setbacks to achieve his goal of becoming an
astronaut. (Hickam, 1999)
References
Hickam, H. (Writer), Colick, L. (Screenplay), Johnston, J. (Director), Cramer, P.
& Franco, L. & Gordon, C. & Sternberg, M. (Producers). (1999). October Sky
[Motion Picture]. United States: Universal Pictures.